The Department of Comparative Medicine is a rapidly growing and dynamic environment in which employees partner with biomedical researchers who use (under strict regulations and on-site scrutiny) animal models of human disease and physiology in efforts to enhance our ability as a society to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease in human and non-human animals. The Department currently consists of a centralized 40,000 sq. ft. AAALAC Int. accredited facility housing and caring for zebra fish, mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, farm pigs, mini-pigs, and dog. A new building is under construction (to open in 2013) which will provide an additional 10,000 sq. ft. of rodent specific Comparative Medicine space. Current animal census is 17,000 – 20,000 (excluding fish). Future capacity should allow for a census of 40,000 (excluding fish).

The incumbent observes animals daily or more often as instructed or indicated for abnormalities and performs animal care (cage changing, feeding, watering, etc.). Often unique documented husbandry practices must be employed (feeding special diets, handling animals exposed to hazardous agents, caring for animals post-operatively, caring for animals under medical care). The incumbent performs cage sanitation, room and general facility sanitation, room environmental monitoring and documentation, cage card bar-coding, etc. at required. Incumbent also assists the Clinical Staff (animal handling and restraint) under the direct supervision of the Clinical Staff. Incumbent must be a motivated self-started with good teamwork practices and good communication (in English) skills.